§ 40-8.15-2. Right of individual providers to choose provider representative - Subject of negotiation. (a) Individual providers may, in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 40-8.15-7, choose a provider organization to be their provider representative and to negotiate with the state, over the terms and conditions of individual providers' participation in providing direct-support services, including, but not limited to:

(1) Expanding training and professional development opportunities;

(2) Improving the recruitment and retention of qualified individual providers;

(3) Reimbursement rates and other economic matters;

(4) Benefits;

(5) Payment procedures; and

(6) A grievance resolution process.

(b) Nothing in this chapter or in chapter 8.14 of title 40 shall interfere with regulatory authority of the Rhode Island department of health (RIDOH) over individual providers licensing. Individual provider licensing shall be excluded from and not subject to the negotiation process recognized and described in this section.

(c) Notwithstanding the above, individual providers must operate in conformance with the relevant sections of the general laws applicable thereto and regulations promulgated by the state.

(d) The directors of each department with authority to administer their respective programs shall work in consultation with the secretary regarding the terms and conditions of individual providers' participation in their respective programs including, but not limited to, the terms and conditions in subsection (a).

History of Section. (P.L. 2018, ch. 106, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 110, § 2.)